“Head, shoulders, knees, and toes” are for children. For adults, the mantra is “Car key, wallet, handphone, and coffee”. If you have all of this in your hands or pockets, you’re ready to go.
Long drives and adventurous road trips can be tiring and, well, long. Not only do you have to ensure your mind and body are well-prepared, but your car as well to get you to your destination safely.
Before you stock up on snacks for the trip, take your car to a reliable mechanic or service centre for some good old servicing. Or, use this car maintenance checklist to ensure your car is ready to ride.
Car Maintenance Checklist For Long Drives
1. Tyres
Check that your tyres (even the spare) are well-inflated and have sufficient air pressure. If you’re unsure, refer to the recommended tyre pressure for your car located at the side of the driver’s seat, or in the manual.
Besides that, ensure there are no scratches, punctures, or holes, and the tyre treads are in good shape – not worn out and spread evenly.
2. Engine oil
Use these three quick steps to check your engine oil: Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. Your engine oil should be between the minimum and maximum levels, and with a clean, brown or amber colour – anything other than that means it’s time for a top-up or replacement.
Moreover, inspect the engine tank for leaks or broken or loose parts. You wouldn’t want it falling apart halfway through your journey, so if it needs fixing or replacing, do so before you begin your long drive.
3. Radiator coolant
Driving under the hot sun can put a toll on your car, and just like your body, it needs to stay hydrated with sufficient fluids. The ideal coolant levels should be between the minimum and maximum markers. If the tank does not have markings, fill it to the top or as much as possible.
Ensure the coolant is not murky, dirty, or rust-coloured – these are signs to drain and change your coolant immediately. Always use the recommended coolant type to avoid damaging your cooling system, and make sure the tank is free of damage and clogs.
4. Brakes
A few things to check for your brakes are:
- The brake pads: Ensure they are responsive, firm, have a sufficient thickness, and have no noise when braking.
- The brake fluids: The fluid is between the minimum and maximum marks, and is a clear, light yellow colour.
- The brake lights: Clearly and properly illuminated, especially in dark situations like driving at night or in tunnels.
- The hand brake: The warning light or signal appears if it is engaged while the car is in driving mode.
5. Lights
All internal and external lights should function perfectly and clearly: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, reverse lights, signal indicators, etc. Replace fused bulbs immediately, as broken lights endanger not just you but other road users.
6. Wipers and wiper fluid
When driving through extreme weather conditions or rainy situations, the most important thing we depend on is our windshield wipers. Inspect your wiper blades for cracks, splits, or stiffness – instead, they should be soft and flexible enough to wipe water off cleanly without leaving any streaks.
For wiper fluids, pop open the hood and ensure the fluid in the reservoir is near the top or at least within the marked level. Top up the fluid if needed, and, you can also improve your wiper’s cleaning properties by using windshield washer fluid.
7. Emergency kit
A vehicle emergency kit is a must-have for every vehicle owner: jumper cables, a spare tyre, a bottle of water, and a warning triangle for basic essentials. Other items you can include are a flashlight, first-aid kit, and mini fire extinguisher among others. You never know what will happen, so be prepared for anything.
Get Your Car Ready
Whether it’s a planned adventure or an impromptu one, use this car maintenance checklist to ensure your car is ready whenever you need it to be – like a last-minute trip to Melaka for some gula melaka cendol and Nyonya food.
If you need a replacement for your tyre, windshield wiper, or other car items, look no further than Mudah.my for a comprehensive selection of car accessories and car parts for any make, model, and size. Check on your car as well as you check on yourself, and have a memorable trip.